8 Overrated Chains People Still Love and 5 That Are Just Plain Bad

Some restaurant chains ride on nostalgia, branding, or sheer convenience—long after the food stops living up to the hype. And then there are the ones that miss the mark entirely, leaving you wondering why they’re still in business at all. Here’s a breakdown of 8 chains that are still popular but kind of overrated, plus 5 that are just plain bad, no excuses.

1. The Cheesecake Factory

The Cheesecake Factory is renowned for its extensive menu and generous portions, but the flavor doesn’t always meet expectations. While the restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, it’s often criticized for focusing more on quantity than quality. The atmosphere is lively and the decor enticing, yet diners sometimes leave disappointed by the taste.

Despite the mixed reviews, people flock to experience the brand’s well-known cheesecakes and its lavish menu. Though it’s a vibe that many enjoy, a great meal is not always guaranteed. Known for its decorative cheesecakes, this chain remains a favorite, albeit overrated.

2. In-N-Out Burger

In-N-Out Burger boasts a cult following, but not everyone is enamored. Known for its fresh ingredients, the burgers are often described as tiny and soggy, especially if one doesn’t buy into the hype. Fans appreciate the affordable prices, yet others find the experience less than life-changing.

While many adore the simplicity of the menu and the freshness promised, the reality can be different. The long drive-thru lines and classic branding continue to draw crowds, but the burger’s reputation often exceeds its actual taste. This beloved chain is a classic example of being overrated.

3. Olive Garden

Olive Garden’s allure lies in its unlimited breadsticks and endless soup, yet the pasta often disappoints. Many patrons find the pasta overcooked, underseasoned, and drowning in sauce. Despite these culinary shortcomings, Olive Garden remains a go-to for many.

The Italian-themed chain continues to thrive on nostalgia and the comfort of familiar flavors. Diners enjoy the casual atmosphere and family-style dining, but the actual taste sometimes leaves much to be desired. The brand’s emphasis on quantity over quality makes it a staple, although an overrated one.

4. Five Guys

Five Guys is a burger joint known for quality, yet it comes with a price tag that shocks some patrons. A seemingly simple order quickly becomes pricey once fries and drinks are added. Despite the sticker shock, the burger itself is a solid choice.

For those willing to pay, Five Guys offers customizable options with fresh toppings. However, the fast-food experience doesn’t quite match the gourmet prices. Fans appreciate the taste and freshness, but others find the costs hard to swallow. This balance of quality and price keeps it popular yet somewhat overrated.

5. Starbucks

Starbucks stands as a symbol of consistent coffee, but flavor often takes a backseat. The burnt coffee and overly sweetened drinks are common critiques. Despite these issues, stores are packed daily with loyal customers who appreciate the brand’s reliability.

The convenience of a Starbucks on nearly every corner and the variety of drinks keeps people coming back. Meanwhile, dry pastries wrapped in plastic add to the mixed reviews. Starbucks’ branding and consistency overshadow the actual taste, making it a staple that is often considered overrated.

6. Chipotle

Chipotle’s reputation for fresh ingredients is often overshadowed by food safety concerns. Customers enjoy the customizable bowls, yet the flavor might become repetitive after frequent visits. Many find the experience lacking after the third bowl.

Despite the allure of fresh produce and ethical sourcing, the chain has faced scrutiny over health issues. The consistent flavor profile leads to a monotonous dining experience for some. Chipotle remains a popular choice for quick meals, but it falls into the overrated category due to its repetitive taste and past issues.

7. Panera Bread

Panera Bread, marketed as clean food, faces criticism for its pre-made and reheated dishes. Patrons often question the value of a $10 soup cup, especially when the meal appears overpriced for what’s offered.

The atmosphere is conducive to working or studying, attracting many to its cafes. However, the combination of high prices and reheated food leaves some questioning its worth. Panera’s branding as a healthy option contrasts with the reality of its offerings. While the ambiance remains inviting, the culinary experience often feels overrated.

8. Shake Shack

Shake Shack entices with its tasty offerings, yet the experience sometimes falls short. While many enjoy the burgers, waiting 30 minutes for a tiny meal can be frustrating. The soggy bun and clumpy cheese fries detract from the taste.

As the queue grows longer, the anticipation often outweighs the dining pleasure. Despite the attractive branding and quality ingredients, the serving size and consistency are often debated. Shake Shack’s popularity highlights its appeal, but the actual meal experience might not live up to the hype, placing it among overrated chains.

9. Subway

Subway once stood as a healthier fast-food choice, but now faces criticism for its processed, flavorless offerings. The rubbery meat and bread that doesn’t qualify as bread in some countries tarnish its image.

Despite the availability of fresh vegetables and customizable options, the overall experience leaves much to be desired. The assembly line approach diminishes the appeal, making it just another fast-food stop. Subway’s initial promise of health and freshness contrasts with its current reputation, placing it among chains that are considered bad.

10. Sbarro

Sbarro is synonymous with mall pizza, often receiving criticism for its cardboard crust and gummy cheese. The sauce, tasting as if it came straight from a can, adds to the lackluster experience.

Despite the negative reviews, Sbarro persists in food courts, thriving on convenience rather than quality. The visual appeal often contrasts sharply with the taste, leaving diners wanting more. As an emblem of quick, accessible eats, Sbarro’s continued presence is baffling to some, earning its place among chains that are simply bad.

11. Applebee’s

Applebee’s presents itself as a family-friendly restaurant yet often disappoints with microwaved meals and generic sauces. Attempts at modern dishes frequently miss the mark, leaving diners with a sense of parody rather than culinary delight.

The chain’s approachable atmosphere doesn’t compensate for the lack of authenticity in its offerings. While the affordability attracts families, the experience rarely excites the palate. Applebee’s struggles to reinvent itself, making it a chain that’s viewed as just plain bad by many.

12. Golden Corral

Golden Corral offers an endless buffet, yet the warmness and flavor of dishes often fall short. Quantity takes precedence over quality, leading to an experience where taste is sacrificed for variety.

Diners are drawn to the sheer number of choices, but the actual culinary satisfaction is minimal. The allure of an all-you-can-eat experience fades when the food lacks character. Golden Corral’s strategy of abundance fails to mask the shortcomings, making it a chain regarded as plain bad by many.

13. Long John Silver’s

Long John Silver’s, known for its fried fish, often disappoints with soggy, greasy offerings. The inconsistency in quality and lack of freshness contributes to its forgotten status in the fast-food realm.

Despite the promise of crispy, fresh flavors, the reality can be quite different. Patrons often find themselves dissatisfied with the meal’s greasiness and lackluster taste. Long John Silver’s continues to struggle with its identity, leading many to view it as a chain that’s just plain bad.